Fluid collection device with captured retractable needle

Abstract

A retractable needle fluid transfer device is provided. The device includes a manually operable actuator for affecting retraction. Upon depressing the actuator, a spring displaces the needle rearwardly so that the contaminated needle is enclosed, thereby preventing inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes forward and rearward stops for impeding displacement of the needle after the needle is retracted. A seal prevents contaminants from entering the device after the needle is retracted. A safety sampling access port adapter for obtaining fluid samples from a fluid line is also provided. The sampling adapter includes a first end configured to cooperate with an access port attached to the fluid line. The sampling adapter further includes a collapsible socket configured to cooperate with a fluid container such as a vacuum tube. A needle assembly disposed within the housing of the sampling adapter is operable to pierce the seal on the fluid container. After use, the socket is collapsed to prevent contact with the contaminated needle.

That which is claimed is:  
     
       1. A medical device cooperable with a fluid container having a pierceable seal and a fluid line having an access port with a pierceable fluid seal, comprising: 
       a housing comprising:  
       an opening for receiving the access port; and  
       a collapsible socket having displaceable walls being operable in a first position in which the collapsible socket is configured to receive the fluid container and a second position in which the walls are displaced inwardly to limit access to the collapsible socket; and  
       a double-ended needle having a forward end for piercing the seal of the access port and a rearward end projecting into the collapsible socket for piercing the seal of the fluid container.  
     
     
       2. The medical device of  claim 1  comprising a connector operable to attach the housing to the fluid line. 
     
     
       3. The medical device of  claim 2  comprising a lock operable to impede detachment of the housing from the fluid line after the housing is attached to the fluid line. 
     
     
       4. The medical device of  claim 1  wherein in the first position the fluid container is insertable into the collapsible socket, and in the second position the walls impede the insertion of the fluid container into the collapsible socket. 
     
     
       5. A medical device cooperable with a fluid container having a pierceable seal and a fluid line having an access port with a fluid seal, comprising: 
       a housing comprising:  
       a forward end having a socket configured to receive at least a portion of the access port;  
       a rearward end comprising a plurality of walls adapted to cooperate with the fluid container; and  
       a hinge connecting the walls so that the walls are displaceable relative to one another;  
       a needle having a rearward end for piercing the seal of the fluid container.  
     
     
       6. The medical device of  claim 5  comprising a plurality of hinges connecting the walls. 
     
     
       7. A medical device cooperable with a fluid container having a pierceable seal and a fluid line having an access port with a fluid seal, comprising: 
       a housing comprising:  
       a forward end having an opening adapted to cooperate with the access port;  
       a rearward end comprising a plurality of walls adapted to cooperate with the fluid container; and  
       a hinge connecting the walls so that the walls are displaceable relative to one another;  
       a needle having a rearward end for piercing the seal of the fluid container; and  
       a connector operable to attach the housing to the fluid line.  
     
     
       8. The medical device of  claim 7  comprising a lock operable to impede detachment of the housing from the fluid line after the housing is attached to the fluid line. 
     
     
       9. A method of sampling fluid from a fluid line having an access port, comprising steps of: 
       providing a sampler adapter having a needle and a housing having a rearward end configured to receive a fluid container having a pierceable seal;  
       connecting the sampling adapter to the access port so that the needle is in fluid communication with the fluid line;  
       piercing the seal of the fluid container with the needle so that the needle is in fluid communication with the container; and  
       substantially permanently deforming the rearward end of the housing to prevent access to the needle.  
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of substantially permanently deforming the rearward end of the housing comprises collapsing the housing radially inwardly. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10  comprising the steps of: 
       inserting the fluid container into the rearward end of the housing;  
       drawing a quantity of fluid into the fluid container from the fluid line;  
       withdrawing the fluid container from the housing; and  
       sealing the end of the needle to prevent fluid from leaking out of the needle.